Chicago River architectural boat cruise photo essay

Willis, you will always be Sear’s Tower to me from the Chicago River architectural boat cruise

One of the standard tourist activities in Chicago which is a must is the architectural boat cruise down the Chicago River with Wendella. I live in Chicago and this is one of those items I do every time someone comes from out of town or I suggest for those coming for a visit.

I have toured the downtown area via the river twice through an architectural boat cruise and once by canoe. I would do either tomorrow in a heart beat, so it is as enjoyable for locals as it is for visitors. The first time I did the boat cruise, I listened intently to the narrator and learned the history of all the beautiful buildings and the history of the city and the river. ThisÂ time I talked with friends and just watched the scenery.

Whether you want to learn about Chicago history and buildings, or if you want to tune it out, you will enjoy the tour either way. The cruise is also enjoyable rain or shine. The first time I went it was sunny and beautiful, and when I canoed the river it was hot and sunny. This time it was cloudy, rainy, and a little bleak, but the clouds provided interesting photos and did not dampen the spirit of the tour.

The tour begins down the stairs from the Wrigley Building

The tour meets at the Wrigley Building, which is located at 400 N. Michigan Avenue. Check groupons for frequent awesome deals on the trip. We bought our tickets for $18.00 with a free drink. For a different perspective, try the Chicago River by canoe or kayak (see the video near the top of the article). Boats can be rented via Kayak Chicago or the Chicago River Canoe and Kayak.

Chicago River with the Marina Towers to the left

Passing another boat along the Chicago River

The boat that left just before ours near the Wrigley Building

I don’t know the names of these buildings as I was drinking and talking

The iconic Willis Tower as seen from the Chicago River

Interesting apartment building along the Chicago River

Chicago River

The turn around point near the confluence with Lake Michigan

For those who choose to listen, the narrator does a great job with the tour

Stay tuned,

TT

The goal of Traveling Ted TV is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

About Traveling Ted

Ted Nelson has been adventure traveling since he was 10 years old on camping trips with his Dad to places like the Great Smoky Mountains, The Everglades, and Big Bend National Park. In 2005 he added international travel to his repertoire with a three month trip to Southeast Asia.

I’ve never been down the river there. It’s been many years since I’ve been to Chicago. I need to go back and visit. The last time I was there, Andre Dawson was the man for the Cubs and I saw a game in Wrigley Field.Jeremy Branham recently posted..Scottish clans, a Maori tribe, and a World War II hero

Nice shots Ted, especially the turnaround point and the view down from the bridge. I can’t believe it took me over a decade to repeat the tour, it’s a lot of fun!Pola recently posted..Photo Focus: The Chicago River